2, Scripture Readings – Summaries of the readings of each Sunday Mass (by Chris Oliver)

Wisdom 9:13-18 Ps 89:3-17 Phlm 9-10, 12-17 Lk 14:25-33

The Book of Wisdom was written in 1st century BC. Greek and other pagan religions gave inadequate answers to life’s questions, especially why the wicked prosper and the just suffer. How does God mete out justice? Wisdom’s solution, distilled from all Jewish Scriptures, is that the just continue to live with God after their deaths: a developing Jewish belief in resurrection, though not of the body. Man’s knowledge and powers of reasoning are inadequate compared with God’s Wisdom. So we ask God to give us Wisdom for our guide. The psalm also asks that we “know the shortness of our life that we may gain wisdom of heart”.
In this moving letter Paul asks Philemon to accept back the slave Onesimus and forgive him. But Paul is pleading for something more than this. Onesimus means “profit”, and Paul wants Philemon to see the “profit” of forgiving Onesimus out of Christian love, and not because Paul could “force this act of kindness”. In this way Philemon can gain wisdom and spiritual benefit.
In Luke’s gospel, after a parable about people giving “I am too busy with this life” excuses, Jesus insists we must “hate” our parents: not emotionally but in our actions. We must weigh our options carefully and either choose the Cross – or not.

Psalm Response: O Lord, you have been our refuge from one generation to the next.

(Wisdom 9:13-18 Ps 89:3-17 Phlm 9-10, 12-17 Lk 14:25-33)

Sir 3:17-20, 28-29 Ps 67:4-11 Heb 12:18-19, 22-24 Lk 14:1, 7-14

.

Part of Wisdom literature, the Book of Sirach, or Ecclesiasticus, was written by Ben Sira about 200 BC. Full of traditional Jewish and worldly wisdom and morals, it is based on deep experience. After describing our duties towards God, the book turns to our duties towards our parents. This extract emphasises the need for humility in face of God’s greatness – echoed by the Psalm – and the wisdom that comes from listening carefully. The omitted verses advise us not to seek what is beyond our power nor tasks beyond what has been assigned to us.
Having described our disciplining by God last Sunday, our final reading from Hebrews describes the exciting delights of the heavenly city we have now entered, after our baptism. Instead of fearsome Sinai, Zion – the new “Temple Mount” where God resides – is full of angels in tumultuous joyful festival, with believers and saints made perfect being welcomed by Jesus and our God. What a welcome! But God is still judge: as we have been given the privilege of Jesus as covenant-mediator, we have the responsibility of offering thanksgiving to God
In Luke’s gospel we hear about Jesus having dinner with a Pharisee. Two parables illustrate the themes from the first reading of humility and not giving ourselves airs.

Psalm Response: In your goodness, O God, you prepared a home for the poor

Is 66:18-21 Ps 116 Heb 12:5-7, 11-13 Lk 13:22-30

After lamenting the disasters God has sent on the Israelites because of their sins, third Isaiah sees hope in God’s renewal of his covenant promise and in the “new heavens and the new earth” which God is creating. Jerusalem will prosper and all nations will be invited to God’s holy mountain Jerusalem. God’s glory will be seen by all, and all nations will worship him.
Our readings from Hebrews quotes from the Book of Proverbs that a son should expect to be disciplined by his Father. So we should not be discouraged when God disciplines us: rather we should rejoice that God shows in this way that we are his beloved sons. We must endure our sufferings, turning away from sin and accepting the works God calls us to do. As God’s sons, we must persevere, not giving up too easily or treating God’s forgiveness as easily obtained “next time”.
Chapter 13 of Luke’s gospel emphasises the need to repent, to change our mind-set about God. After Jesus healed a crippled woman on the Sabbath, the synagogue ruler was outraged to be told his understanding of the Sabbath was hypocrisy. But we also have great difficulty in accepting God’s ways. Today’s reading insists that the entrance to the kingdom is narrow, and many will not enter.

Psalm Response: Go out to the whole world and proclaim the Good News.

(Is 66:18-21 Ps 116 Heb 12:5-7, 11-13 Lk 13:22-30)

Rev 11:19; 12:1-6,10; Ps 44:10-16; 1 Cor 15:20-26; Lk 1:39-56

These tumultuous chapters of Revelation, certain of Christ’s ultimate victory, imagine how the mystery of God’s plan of salvation will be fulfilled in the “end days”. After the seventh angel blows his trumpet the world will become the kingdom of God and his Christ. Those who are destroying the earth will be destroyed. But first the Christ (Messiah) is to be born from Israel, before the dragon is hurled from heaven, making war on the Church. Early Christians came to see in these words a fitting description of Mary’s role in salvation. Those who share Jesus’ death on earth will also share his glory in heaven – and are already sharing in the resurrection triumph.
The Psalm from a Royal Wedding Song also assures us of Christ’s final victory. And Paul reminds the Corinthians how this victory has been won: by Christ’s death. His raising from the dead is a “first fruit” of what is to come: the bodily resurrection of all the dead, when Christ does away with all his enemies, including the last enemy, which is death.
Mary’s joyful Magnificat, which is said or sung every evening in the Church throughout the world, summarises salvation history and anticipates her Son’s fulfilment of the Law and the Prophets in his proclamation of the Beatitudes.

Psalm Response: On your right stands the queen, in garments of gold.

(Rev 11:19; 12:1-6,10; Ps 44:10-16; 1 Cor 15:20-26; Lk 1:39-56)

Scripture Readings 14th August 2016, 20th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year C

Writing during the turbulence just before the exile, Jeremiah was caught between the king, Zedekiah, and jealous nobles, who falsely imprisoned him. In 586 BC Judea again revolted against Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon. Jeremiah told the king he should surrender because Judea would be defeated anyway, as God’s punishment for their infidelity, and resistance would lead to Jerusalem’s destruction. But the nobles said Jeremiah’s advice was undermining morale and threw him into a cistern. Jerusalem did not surrender, and was destroyed, and most survivors were deported to Babylon.
Last week we heard part of the discussion in Hebrews about the meaning of faith, “the conviction of things not seen”, giving the example of Abraham. After further examples, Hebrews says yet all these “did not receive what was promised, since God had foreseen something better”. With so many witnesses confident of this unknown reward, we must persevere in our faith. We must endure like Jesus, who suffered so much to bring our faith to perfection.
The themes of turbulence and suffering are continued in today’s reading from Luke’s gospel, which follows the insistence last week that unfaithful servants will be punished. Jesus’ message brings division between believers and non-believers, whose evil deeds are thrown into relief by the gospel.

Psalm Response: Lord, come to my aid.

(Jer 38:4-6, 8-10 Ps 39:2-4,18 Heb 12:1-4 Lk 12:49-53)

Wis 18:6-9 Ps 32:1-22 Heb 11:1-2, 8-19 Lk 12:32-48)

The Wisdom of Solomon was the last book of the Old Testament to be written. It was written in Greek, not Hebrew, so not in the Septuagint nor therefore in the Protestant Bible. The final chapters meditate on the Exodus, contrasting the woes visited on the Egyptians with the gifts given by God to the Israelites. This excerpt notes the opposite effects on the Egyptians and Israelites of God’s actions at the first Passover, and the Psalm echoes the joy of a people chosen by God.
The 2nd readings in August from Hebrews describe faith, which gives assurance to our hopes. Abraham is the prime example of a man of faith: he obeyed God’s command to go to a new land; he believed God’s promise that he and Sarah would have a child in their old age; and he passed the supreme test of faith when God asked him to sacrifice his only son, Isaac. God’s last minute reprieve for Isaac is seen as a return from the dead.
In Luke’s Gospel, following the parable we heard last week about the rich man building a bigger barn, Jesus assures us that we will be given all the resources we need to meet the Lord’s demands. He then urges us to have faith and to be prepared.

Psalm Response: Happy the people the Lord has chosen as his own.

(Wis 18:6-9 Ps 32:1-22 Heb 11:1-2, 8-19 Lk 12:32-48)

Eccles 1:2, 2:21-23 Ps 89:3-17 Col 3:1-5, 9-11 Lk 12:13-21

The “Preacher” struggles with the contradictions of life and the vanity of created things which give no lasting satisfaction. Good people suffer, sinners enjoy life and prosper. At a time when there was no idea of rewards after death, the “Preacher” has no solution to offer except to trust that God will make it right in the end. The Psalm echoes our need to rely on the Lord.

This final extract from Colossians hints at Paul’s very detailed moral teaching. The Christian’s life is now “hidden with Christ”, but when Christ is revealed “you too will be revealed in all your glory”. Paul then spells out how we should live our lives focussed on Christ. So that we will grow in knowledge and maturity towards the images of our creator that God intended us to be. We must put away sins of both sex and speech, which damage individuals and the Christian community.

Luke’s Gospel answers the Prophet’s problem in the first reading: good actions in this life are rewarded after death, and evil will be punished. The rich man’s approach was sensible in capitalist terms, and not immoral. But Luke’s gospel frequently insists that we must help the poor in this world, while we can!

Psalm Response: O Lord, you have been our refuge from one generation to the next.

(Eccles 1:2, 2:21-23 Ps 89:3-17 Col 3:1-5, 9-11 Lk 12:13-21)

Gen 18:20-32 Ps 137:1-8 Col 2:12-14 Lk 11:1-13

After promising Abraham a son next year, God hesitates before revealing his plans for Sodom and Gomorrah. Abraham urges God to be just to the threatened towns, where his nephew Lot lives. Later Lot defends his angelic guests from the depraved demands of the men of Sodom, and escapes before Sodom is destroyed.
Paul urges the Colossians, whom he has never visited, to be confident in their understanding of “God’s mystery”, Christ. As Gentiles they were outside the Jewish Law, and therefore seen as sinners. But now they are “buried in Christ”, the Law is overridden, and they should follow only Christ. For Paul, transgressions are debts owed to God for failing to carry out our duties under our covenant with the creator. The list of our debts, like IOUs, is destroyed by being graphically nailed to the Cross.
Luke’s version of the Our Father is shorter and more abrupt than Matthew’s. Both versions are looking to the end days, especially “Do not put us to the test” ie the final judgement. “Daily bread” may refer to the Eucharist. Or it may mean “Give us tomorrow’s bread” – in the heavenly banquet, like the double portion of manna collected in the desert before the Sabbath. God promises to respond to all our requests, as he did to Abraham.

Psalm Response: On the day I called, you answered me, O Lord

Gen 18:1-10 Ps 14:2-5 Col 1:24-28 Lk 10:38-42

Abraham, now settled by the oaks of Mamre, near Hebron, south of Jerusalem, gives proper hospitality to his three special visitors. But he addresses only one of them as Lord. The Lord promises a son to the couple in their old age. So that God’s covenant promise to Abraham of countless descendants can begin to come true.

Paul had explained to the Colossians that God’s covenant plan is now back on track. Christ’s death was sufficient for our redemption, but Paul sees his afflictions as adding to those of Christ, both helping spread the knowledge of redemption more widely and deeply, and to make a contribution towards the debt Christ has already paid on our behalf.

The Jews believed that God would reveal his secret plans for creation: Paul says these have now been revealed – the mystery is Jesus the Christ, the man who is the revelation of God.

In Luke’s description of Jesus’ visit to Martha and Mary their brother Lazarus is not mentioned. Like Sarah, Martha is busy preparing the meal. With so much to do she is naturally – but not obsessively – distracted, and asks for Mary’s help. But Jesus reminds her that listening to the words of their prophetic guest is more important than domestic perfection.

Psalm Response: The just will live in the presence of the Lord.

(Gen 18:1-10 Ps 14:2-5 Col 1:24-28 Lk 10:38-42)

Deut 30:10-14 Ps 68:14-37 Col 1:15-20 Lk 10:25-37

The book of Deuteronomy, the “second law”, evolved over many centuries. It restates the Jewish Law and the covenant God made with Abraham. Our reading starts with an imperative, but if we do obey God’s Law “the Lord will take delight in prospering” us. And this Law is easily accessible: it is written “in our hearts”. Put the covenant into practice, and so choose life, not death.

In this beautiful hymn from Colossians Paul spells out the awesome reality of Christ: “Christ Jesus is the image of the unseen God” who “existed before anything was created”. We know God through Jesus. Jesus is fully human in the way God intended all humanity to be. He shows us the way to God. But reconciliation comes with a proviso: “that you continue in the faith”.

Jesus has rejoiced and given thanks with the 70 disciples for their successful mission. He then responds to a sincere questioner by updating the Jewish Law to what was originally intended. The parable of the Good Samaritan insists that everyone is our neighbour. Details of the Law that evolve over time can come to be misleading. The priest and the Levite were more concerned with ritual purity than with love. Just as over emphasis on rigid moral rules and liturgical details can lead us astray from mercy.

Psalm Response: The precepts of the Lord gladden the heart.

(Deut 30:10-14 Ps 68:14-37 Col 1:15-20 Lk 10:25-37)

Is 66:10-14 Ps 65:1-20 Gal 6:14-18 Lk 10:1-12, 17-20

Third Isaiah wrote this beautiful imagery of a compassionate God to encourage the Jews returning from exile in Babylon to rebuild the Temple: the Lord sends his peace to Jerusalem through which he will give peace and nourishment to those who recognise the new creation to come with Jesus’ resurrection there.

This fond farewell concludes our 6 readings from Paul’s letter to the Galatians. It summarises his letter: through the Cross we are crucified to the world. Human distinctions and marks on our flesh like circumcision no longer signify. We have become a new creation, the “Israel of God” – God’s chosen family to carry God’s message to the world.
The new Mass translation, “and with your spirit”, picks up Paul’s final phrase. God’s grace is to be deep and personal.

In the reading from Luke’s gospel we heard last week, Jesus “set himself to travel to Jerusalem”. For the rest of Ordinary Time, ie “numbered weeks”, all our gospel readings are from Jesus’ journey, consciously focussed on his coming suffering in Jerusalem. Today we hear of Jesus sending 70 disciples on mission ahead of him, like the 70 elders chosen by Moses to lead the Exodus. But Jesus’ disciples are offering Israel a last chance to change their mind about Jesus.

Psalm Response: Cry out with joy to God, all the earth.

(Is 66:10-14 Ps 65:1-20 Gal 6:14-18 Lk 10:1-12, 17-20)